Unsubstantiated Rumor Mill: Rickey Henderson to join Reds in 2009?

With the news that 50 year-old Nancy Lieberman is coming out of retirement to play in the WNBA, the stage is set for retired MLB star Rickey Henderson to do the same when he turns 50 later this year. Henderson has stayed in playing shape since retiring in 2003 and showed a willingness throughout his career to play for any team offering a roster spot.

Henderson, who holds the all-time record for stolen bases in a major league career, would have a natural fit in Cincinnati--one of only twenty-one MLB franchises to have never employed Henderson's services--where he would serve as an adequate replacement for the struggling Corey Patterson and play for a manager, Dusty Baker, with a penchant for starting more seasoned, veteran players.

While Henderson--who is known for his legendary batter's eye--might find his playing time in Cincinnati curtailed by Baker's disdain for drawing walks, the Reds manager is a proponent of team speed who's roster management approach favors name recognition over statistical production.

It is likely that Henderson would play for the league minimum salary upon his return. It is also likely that this will all happen.